Riding a motorcycle is more than a phase, an attraction factor or a trend to me. It’s what is giving me a purpose: A purpose to live. - Angel Lilac

I go by Angel Lilac, I’m 23 years old and from Oceanside, CA. I currently ride a 2017 Harley Davidson Softail Slim S and I’ve been riding for 15 months now. From June 28 - July 10th 2018, I embarked on my 2nd annual Moto Trip. I rode with a saddlemen sissybar luggage, thrashin supply essential saddlebags, a Le Pera seat and no windshield. I rode about 3,500 miles in those 13 days from Oceanside, CA to Tulsa, OK and back. I took 5 days to get there. I traveled on the I-40 East, hitting Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Amarillo and ultimately Tulsa, OK. I stayed in Tulsa for 5 days to spend the 4th of July holiday week with a friend of mine who was a marine I worked with. A highlight of my stay was riding on the historic Route 66 in Tulsa on the 4th of July which I thought was really cool to do on America’s holiday! I also visited the official Route 66 Harley Davidson dealership which was pretty gnarly. On the way back, I took 4 days and a more Southern route passing through Lubbock, TX, Roswell, NM, Tucson, AZ and finally back home to Oceanside, CA.

Having gone in the middle of summer, I endured the hot desert temperatures riding 5-7 hours through the CA deserts and Arizona reaching up to 105 degrees. I rode an average of 400 miles / 7 hours a day. On the way back, it also was the start of monsoon season so I endured a day of rain which I wasn’t prepared for gear wise. Luckily, rain would come and go every few minutes so I eventually would dry up from the breeze as I kept riding west. Weather was my main concern on this trip. Especially that I never experienced riding through the desert before. I definitely learned to listen to my body and stay hydrated. Even in 100 degree weather, I kept my skin and face covered with the proper riding gear. I was super stoked about my face not once getting sunburned thanks to my Kali full face apex helmet with the smokescreen visor! At every gas stop, I drank water and used the restroom even if I didn’t feel like I needed to. There were times where my back was hurting that I didn’t care who was watching me, so I’d lay on a bench, picnic table or even down on a shaded area of the sidewalk just to rest my back for 10 minutes before heading back on the road. I loved the mixed attention I received during my travels. Mostly it was people who were surprised to see a young woman on a motorcycle with no other bikers beside her. I’ve had people stop at the same gas station as me approach me to say that they have been following me for a long distance now and can’t believe what I’m doing. Some kind people would offer me a cold drink from coolers in their cars or snacks. I thought that was so sweet. I had men react in funny ways. From excessively cheering me on about “Girl Power!”, admitting to not being able to do what I’m doing, and to being skeptical about me making it safely. Not that they wanted to see me not make it, but they were just worried that I, as a woman, traveling across the country alone may seem as an easy target. Whatever that means. But they all agreed I had a really cool and beautiful bike.

So I mentioned 2nd annual. It’s a tradition I created for myself. A celebration ride for my survival and strength through one of the lowest points of my young life. Not only a celebration but also a test. A test for my own mental need to see how much I’ve progress in my recovery since the traumatic events.

I enlisted in the U.S Navy at 18 years old. I served as a Quartermaster and was stationed in Virginia Beach, VA and ultimately, San Diego, CA on amphibious ships. In 2016, I endured a WESTPAC (Western Pacific) deployment. 4 out of the 7 months that I was deployed, I was sent all over the Middle East. In Yemen, I ended up getting injured, physically, mentally and emotionally. I was 22 years old, on the last year of my contract and my whole world flipped upside down. The Navy placed me on limited duty my last year of service to start rehabilitation for my injuries. As bad as the physical pain was, I never felt before in my life being in need of someone’s presence and love. My personality, I’m very independent and strong minded. I’ve always known I was a stubborn girl and never accepted stereotypes to put me in my place as a woman but at this moment in my life, I never needed the love of my life, my husband, more than ever. My injuries made me feel defeated, hopeless for my future and they made me feel ugly. I felt I failed my ship, my shipmates and myself as a sailor. I worried about my career whether I’d recover quick enough to re-enlist. And I even worried if I’d ever look beautiful again for my husband to stay in love with me.

Recovery is not easy. Every other day I wanted to give up. Whether it was because the pain was unbearable or even the guilt was as well. But I kept fighting forward, day by day. There wasn’t anybody else I cared for and latched onto more than my husband during this time.

July 2017, 5 months into treatment, the man I adored and couldn’t wait to start a family with admitted that he had fallen out of love with me, wanted no part in my recovery any longer and wanted to plan on getting a divorce. At this point of my rehab, my typical Monday thru Friday “work” was attending all my medical appointments from physical, mental and recreational therapy and I’ve also been notified by the Navy that i would be medically retired within the next few months. July 2017, my health was fragile, my husband left me and I was in the process of losing my career.

I would be lying if I told you I never attempted suicide. I took these unfortunate events as proof that I don’t deserve to live a happy life, so why live at all? I gave my life to serve in the Navy and my heart and soul to serve my husband. And I lost them both. Yet, more and more was pain flooding my body and mind. Difficult to distract myself from it. Until the moment I rode on a motorcycle. I was one of those people who thought motorcycles were only dangerous and a waste of money. My first experience on a motorcycle was as a passenger and even as one, I felt the instant connection to the world again which I lost from depression. The breeze against my face reminding me that I’m alive. The sharp turns getting my adrenaline pumping. And I can’t forget the love within the community. It wasn’t long until I became a rider myself and earned my M1 license.

That same month of July 2017, I had only been riding with 3 months of experience, 5 months into treatment and I went on my first long distance motorcycle trip to Kalispell, MT from San Diego, CA on a 2016 Harley Davidson Lowrider. A trip where I nasty cried and was terrified for my life but faced my fear of solitude to gain back control of my life. That’s where my most recent trip stems from.

July 2018, I just had to celebrate my full year of survival after being left on my own to recover. I’m still alive to this day and as I type this, I’m an emotional wreck. I still struggle with the insecurities and depression, but I am alive and thriving right now. All because of getting on a motorcycle and owning my freedom, confidence and trust back.

“Riding a motorcycle is more than a phase, an attraction factor or a trend to me. It's what's giving me a purpose. A purpose to live. It gives the confidence that I lost in Yemen back. It puts the smile on my face that was taken from my ex back. And it relights the fire that was extinguished by depression and suicidal thoughts.” -Angel Lilac

One day you will wake up and there won't be any more time to do the things you've always wanted. Do it now. -Paulo Coelho

Summer time is coming and the weather is warming up. And if you're like me, you're starting to look for some of the best stretches of highway away from the city where you can just open the throttle.These roads also lead to some of the best places to camp, so why not bring some gear with you and soak it all in for a few days.

All lined up. There is always plenty of space to park outside the city!

It's been a little bit of trial and error for me, learning what to bring and what not to bring on my motorcycle. It's easy to overpack, so let's be real and only bring what we need. Otherwise, you're going to overpack your bike up really high & wide and end up a meme on the internet. So, we'll tell you the basics of what you need to survive and how to pack it on your bike.

ESSENTIALS

It's pretty simple what you need to bring: a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking gear & fuel. You can pack some foods, but most likely (unless you are in a super remote area) you're gonna be close to a camp store or market that you can go to and pick up food and water after you set up camp.

Camping Basics: Cookware, fuel, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad

I prefer to have lightweight backpacking items, because obviously they are lightweight and they don't take up a lot of space. I try and upgrade one of these items every season, because who really wants to go and drop a billion dollars at REI for one trip? Amirite?! If it is tough to get all of these items, I bet one of your friends may have a tent or sleeping bag you can borrow in the meantime if your budget is tight. Good ole Walmart has pretty much everything you need too, at a fraction of the price.

Screen shot or right click on this and save the checklist for your next camping trip!

PACKING EVERYTHING!

Now that you know what to bring, you have to fit it all on your bike. If you have saddle bags, you can fit all sorts of stuff in there. Be sure to place the heavier items in your bags and be sure to make the weight close to equal on both sides. If you don't do this, you can make the bike really off-balance. If you don't have bags, you will need a luggage rack or a sissy bar on your bike.With these, you will be able to strap your bags and gear to your bike.There are all sorts of companies that make bags out there for traveling, but i found that a canvas army duffel bag works great (and they're cheap!) you can find them at any Army Surplus Supply and on Amazon. The same idea works with a bag on your sissy bar, and make sure you put the heavier items at the bottom. I use a few bungees to secure my bag, as well as a stretchy cargo net (just because I'm paranoid about losing stuff).I put all small items -sunscreen, sunglasses, chapstick, protein bars - in a bar bag (or tank bag) that is easily accessible.

Before setting off on your big trip, be sure to do a test run and pack everything up on your bike and go ride around. This way you can make sure everything stays put and that it doesn't affect your bike's handling. It usually takes a trip or two to get your packing and camping routine down, and it's going to be different for everyone because we all have different bikes and different necessities for comfort. This is a good guide to get you started in the right direction. There is nothing else like the freedom of going wherever and staying wherever you want on a motorcycle. It's brought me some of the greatest memories and joy, and has taken me on some incredible adventures. Cheers to you and your next adventure!

We pilfered other campsites for leftovers from previous campers. Came up on some Citronella candles and firewood! Photo: Vanae Rivera

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https://maustaus.com/blogs/blog/behind-the-helmet-an-interview-with-carie-long2018-05-30T00:00:00-07:002019-01-30T14:36:47-08:00Behind the Helmet: An Interview with Carie LongMaus Taus

I am constantly inspired by the women around me and I really want the world to know who these women are. Traveling along different life paths we have somehow come together because of one common denominator: Motorcycles.

You're Braver than you Believe

Like most of the ladies I ride with, I met Carie through the Long Beach Litas. She's a Southern California beach girl with an East Coast attitude. She rides fast on her sport bike, so it's a lot of fun to ride and try to keep up with her! She loves to ride long distance, and is about to leave on a 1,400 hundred mile trip through the Grand Canyon and up through Sedona. Be sure to follow her and the "Topless Trio" on Instagram (@beachgirl90720) through their adventure!

Maus Taus: Where are you from?

Carie: Irwin, Pennsylvania

Maus Taus: What bike do you ride?

Carie: 2007 Suzuki GSXR 600

Maus Taus: How long have you been riding?

Carie: 15 years

Maus Taus: How did you get into riding in the first place?

Carie: My dad is a total gearhead and always had bikes, and would ride me and my sisters on his bikes since we were toddlers! When I got my first street bike and took it out, I was absolutely hooked!!

Maus Taus: What’s been your favorite experience on a motorcycle so far since you’ve been riding? What about your worst experience?

Carie: Favorite – the little bit of long-distance traveling that I’ve been able to do so far (the Grand Canyon!). Worst – when my bike broke down in 105 degree weather and it took 3 hours for the tow truck to show up (this bike broke down a LOT the first year I had it)

Maus Taus: What is it about motorcycles that you love?

Carie: The solitude of riding, and the community and camaraderie among riders.

Maus Taus: Apart from motorcycle riding, what other interests/passions do you have?

Carie: Family, camping, hiking, food, exercise, books, my cat

Maus Taus: What advice would you give to the new rider or someone thinking about riding?

Carie: If you’re thinking about it take the MSF course to learn and to see if it’s for you. If you’re new… ride, ride, ride! Your experience comes from your miles!

Favorite Quote: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

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https://maustaus.com/blogs/blog/behind-the-helmet-an-interview-with-asheli-mattox2018-05-15T00:00:00-07:002019-01-30T14:06:15-08:00Behind the Helmet: An Interview with Asheli MattoxMaus Taus

I am constantly inspired by the women around me and I really want the world to know who these women are. Traveling along different life paths we have somehow come together because of one common denominator: Motorcycles.

Ride, baby Ride!

I met Asheli about a year ago through riding in our local women's riding group, the Long Beach Litas. She's a true Southern girl with Southern charm. When she's not riding her Yamaha, Asheli is a fashion designer in Los Angeles by day, and she's been known to kick up her cowboy boots and dance at night.

Maus Taus: Where are you from?

Asheli: Tallahassee, Florida

Maus Taus: What bike do you ride?

Asheli: 2006 Yamaha Vstar 650. I bought this bike as a starter "practice" bike. I love it and think its the perfect beginners bike for someone who wants to ride a cruiser. I also have a 93 HD Heritage Softail, currently getting a new front end. It's my dads old bike that hes been customizing for me. I have of course ridden passenger on it back in the day but Im itching to finally get it to california so I can rock it solo.

Maus Taus: How long have you been riding?

Asheli: I just hit my 1 year mark in april for being on my own. I've been a passenger for the past 4 years with my ex and then off and on as a passenger on my dads bike when I was younger.

Maus Taus: How did you get into riding in the first place?

Asheli: My dad had a Harley and I just thought he was the coolest thing in the world. As I got older I tended to date guys with bikes, and last year I took the moto safety course so I could get my own.

Maus Taus: What’s been your favorite experience on a motorcycle so far since you’ve been riding? What about your worst experience

Asheli: My favorite experience... that's a hard one to choose from. It would have to be a tie between Babes Right Out in Joshua Tree with my girlfriends and then riding Ortega Hwy for the first time on my own with a cute guy riding beside me that I liked. The BRO event was amazing. It was my 2nd motocamping trip so I felt super more at ease and was able to enjoy the trip without being so nervous. Being able to ride with hundreds of girls and experiencing the desert and Joshua Tree itself on the bike was absolutely amazing. Riding Ortega was such an exhilarating experience. Ive done it plenty of times as a passenger but to do it on my own for the first time,.. I just remember feeling like I was on top of the world as I was coming down and seeing Lake Elsinore in front of me. I remember thinking, I finally got this! Not to mention the cute guy riding next to me who totally built up my confidence! My worst experience... hmmm getting caught in the rain at night on the freeway alone, running out of gas and not realizing what was happening.... being scared shitless on the side of a mountain in santa barbara that was beyond my skill level. HAHA

Maus Taus: What is it about motorcycles that you love?

Asheli: The freedom and confidence it brings me, along with instant friendships and camaraderie. I haven't experienced anything else in life that makes me feel the way I do being on a motorcycle.

Maus Taus: Apart from motorcycle riding, what other interests/passions do you have?

Asheli: I love live music and dancing. I also enjoy camping, going bowling and traveling to new places.

Maus Taus: What advice would you give to the new rider or someone thinking about riding?

Asheli: Ride your own ride. Take your time and enjoy the experience. Its okay to be nervous and scared. Definitely take the motorcycle safety course!!!!!!